The striking beauty of these hiking spots in South Dakota is unreal! We have so much to be proud of as South Dakota natives; it’s important to be reminded of the unique and stunning scenery that surrounds us from time to time. With spring just around the corner, these jaw-dropping views are a good reminder to get outdoors and appreciate all our state has to offer. Here are four trails that offer some of the best hiking in South Dakota:
- Good Earth State Park
Good Earth State Park at Blood Run/Facebook
Good Earth State Park at Blood Run/Facebook If you want to experience a slice of heaven without traveling too far from civilization, Good Earth State Park is where you need to go. With peaceful hikes and bird watching opportunities, this park has something for everyone. Not only is this a serene and scenic area, perfect for long walks, the park is also rich in culture and history. This area has served as a place where native people gathered and hosted ceremonies. Good Earth State Park is located southeast of Sioux Falls. Read more about it here! Good Earth State Park Visitor Center, 26924 480th Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57108, USA
- Harney Peak
Harney Peak/Facebook
Harney Peak/Facebook The hike to the top of Harney Peak is significant for many reasons. First and foremost, it is the highest point in South Dakota and the highest point in the US East of the Rocky Mountains. It is located just a few miles Southwest of Mt. Rushmore, where you can begin your hike to the summit. You can also start the hike from Lake Sylvan among other locations. With mountain goats, porcupines and other wildlife calling this area home, you are guaranteed to have a great hike. Read more about it here! Black Elk Peak, Mount Rushmore UT, SD 57751, USA
- Newton Hills State Park
Newton Hills State Park/Facebook
Newton Hills State Park/Facebook Located in the southeast corner of the state, Newton Hills State Park offers short to long hikes in the serenity of nature. The miles of trails in the park include horse back riding trails as well as mountain biking. There are limitless hikes and possibilities in this beloved state park. Open year round, you can experience these hikes using snow shoes and cross country skis in the winter months. Read more about South Dakota State Parks here! Newton Hills State Park, 28767 482nd Ave, Canton, SD 57013, USA
- Spearfish Canyon
Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway/Facebook
Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway/Facebook Spearfish Creek winds through this stunning gorge. With the creek running for miles, there are ample hikes to enjoy along the way. One of the highlights of these hikes is Roughlock Falls. Even in getting to these falls, there are multiple paths you can take, some easier than others. One thing is for certain, all the hikes are worth the stunning views Spearfish Canyon offers. Add Spearfish Canyon, and some of these other wonders, to your South Dakota bucket list ASAP. Spearfish Canyon, North Lawrence, SD 57783, USA
Have you hiked in all of these stunning spots in South Dakota? Which is your favorite? Let us know in the comments; we love to hear from you!
Good Earth State Park at Blood Run/Facebook
If you want to experience a slice of heaven without traveling too far from civilization, Good Earth State Park is where you need to go. With peaceful hikes and bird watching opportunities, this park has something for everyone. Not only is this a serene and scenic area, perfect for long walks, the park is also rich in culture and history. This area has served as a place where native people gathered and hosted ceremonies. Good Earth State Park is located southeast of Sioux Falls. Read more about it here!
Good Earth State Park Visitor Center, 26924 480th Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57108, USA
Harney Peak/Facebook
The hike to the top of Harney Peak is significant for many reasons. First and foremost, it is the highest point in South Dakota and the highest point in the US East of the Rocky Mountains. It is located just a few miles Southwest of Mt. Rushmore, where you can begin your hike to the summit. You can also start the hike from Lake Sylvan among other locations. With mountain goats, porcupines and other wildlife calling this area home, you are guaranteed to have a great hike. Read more about it here!
Black Elk Peak, Mount Rushmore UT, SD 57751, USA
Newton Hills State Park/Facebook
Located in the southeast corner of the state, Newton Hills State Park offers short to long hikes in the serenity of nature. The miles of trails in the park include horse back riding trails as well as mountain biking. There are limitless hikes and possibilities in this beloved state park. Open year round, you can experience these hikes using snow shoes and cross country skis in the winter months. Read more about South Dakota State Parks here!
Newton Hills State Park, 28767 482nd Ave, Canton, SD 57013, USA
Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway/Facebook
Spearfish Creek winds through this stunning gorge. With the creek running for miles, there are ample hikes to enjoy along the way. One of the highlights of these hikes is Roughlock Falls. Even in getting to these falls, there are multiple paths you can take, some easier than others. One thing is for certain, all the hikes are worth the stunning views Spearfish Canyon offers. Add Spearfish Canyon, and some of these other wonders, to your South Dakota bucket list ASAP.
Spearfish Canyon, North Lawrence, SD 57783, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hiking in South Dakota September 07, 2021 Tori Jane Where should I stay in South Dakota to hike? South Dakota – and the hiking that goes on here – is totally underrated. There are several places you should stay if you plan to conquer some of the best hikes in the state. If you’re hiking at Custer State Park, you could stay in any one of the nearby lodges and resorts, like Custer State Park Resort (of course), Sylvan Lake Lodge, and the Lodge at Palmer Gulch. If you’re hiking in Badlands National Park, the options are plentiful; the closest town to the park is Interior, South Dakota. We like Spearfish Canyon Lodge. For those planning to hike in the Black Hills National Forest, again, you’ve got lots to choose from, like the old Cedarwood Inn or the Hotel Sturgis. Those are the major points of interest for most hikers; be sure to check local Airbnb listings as well – you never know what kind of unique stays you’ll discover. What are the most popular hiking trails in South Dakota? South Dakota is filled to the brim with stunning hikes and sights to see. The most popular trails among locals and visitors alike include Black Elk Peak Loop at Custer State Park, which will lead you to the highest point in South Dakota. Also within Custer State Park are the Cathedral Spires and Sunday Gulch trails, which are incredibly memorable and super scenic. There’s also the famous Notch Trail, within Badlands National Park, that you can’t miss. You get dramatic views of the White River Valley on that hike that are simply unrivaled. For a list of our favorite South Dakota hikes, check this article out! Where can I hike in the Black Hills? The Black Hills are one of the top – if not the top – destinations in South Dakota. Would you believe this area alone has somewhere around 450 trails to choose from? It can get pretty overwhelming, but we’ve done some footwork for you. Some of the best trails in the Black Hills (other than ones we’ve already listed) include the incredible Roughlock Falls Trail, Crow Peak Trail, Buzzards Roost, and the Stratobowl Rim Trail, too. For hikers who prefer a challenge, there’s also the Lost Cabin Trail, and the Saint Elmo Peak Trail. Don’t forget to wear good shoes and stay hydrated, friends!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hiking in South Dakota
September 07, 2021
Tori Jane
Where should I stay in South Dakota to hike? South Dakota – and the hiking that goes on here – is totally underrated. There are several places you should stay if you plan to conquer some of the best hikes in the state. If you’re hiking at Custer State Park, you could stay in any one of the nearby lodges and resorts, like Custer State Park Resort (of course), Sylvan Lake Lodge, and the Lodge at Palmer Gulch. If you’re hiking in Badlands National Park, the options are plentiful; the closest town to the park is Interior, South Dakota. We like Spearfish Canyon Lodge. For those planning to hike in the Black Hills National Forest, again, you’ve got lots to choose from, like the old Cedarwood Inn or the Hotel Sturgis. Those are the major points of interest for most hikers; be sure to check local Airbnb listings as well – you never know what kind of unique stays you’ll discover. What are the most popular hiking trails in South Dakota? South Dakota is filled to the brim with stunning hikes and sights to see. The most popular trails among locals and visitors alike include Black Elk Peak Loop at Custer State Park, which will lead you to the highest point in South Dakota. Also within Custer State Park are the Cathedral Spires and Sunday Gulch trails, which are incredibly memorable and super scenic. There’s also the famous Notch Trail, within Badlands National Park, that you can’t miss. You get dramatic views of the White River Valley on that hike that are simply unrivaled. For a list of our favorite South Dakota hikes, check this article out! Where can I hike in the Black Hills? The Black Hills are one of the top – if not the top – destinations in South Dakota. Would you believe this area alone has somewhere around 450 trails to choose from? It can get pretty overwhelming, but we’ve done some footwork for you. Some of the best trails in the Black Hills (other than ones we’ve already listed) include the incredible Roughlock Falls Trail, Crow Peak Trail, Buzzards Roost, and the Stratobowl Rim Trail, too. For hikers who prefer a challenge, there’s also the Lost Cabin Trail, and the Saint Elmo Peak Trail. Don’t forget to wear good shoes and stay hydrated, friends!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
South Dakota – and the hiking that goes on here – is totally underrated. There are several places you should stay if you plan to conquer some of the best hikes in the state. If you’re hiking at Custer State Park, you could stay in any one of the nearby lodges and resorts, like Custer State Park Resort (of course), Sylvan Lake Lodge, and the Lodge at Palmer Gulch. If you’re hiking in Badlands National Park, the options are plentiful; the closest town to the park is Interior, South Dakota. We like Spearfish Canyon Lodge. For those planning to hike in the Black Hills National Forest, again, you’ve got lots to choose from, like the old Cedarwood Inn or the Hotel Sturgis. Those are the major points of interest for most hikers; be sure to check local Airbnb listings as well – you never know what kind of unique stays you’ll discover.
What are the most popular hiking trails in South Dakota?
South Dakota is filled to the brim with stunning hikes and sights to see. The most popular trails among locals and visitors alike include Black Elk Peak Loop at Custer State Park, which will lead you to the highest point in South Dakota. Also within Custer State Park are the Cathedral Spires and Sunday Gulch trails, which are incredibly memorable and super scenic. There’s also the famous Notch Trail, within Badlands National Park, that you can’t miss. You get dramatic views of the White River Valley on that hike that are simply unrivaled. For a list of our favorite South Dakota hikes, check this article out!
Where can I hike in the Black Hills?
The Black Hills are one of the top – if not the top – destinations in South Dakota. Would you believe this area alone has somewhere around 450 trails to choose from? It can get pretty overwhelming, but we’ve done some footwork for you. Some of the best trails in the Black Hills (other than ones we’ve already listed) include the incredible Roughlock Falls Trail, Crow Peak Trail, Buzzards Roost, and the Stratobowl Rim Trail, too. For hikers who prefer a challenge, there’s also the Lost Cabin Trail, and the Saint Elmo Peak Trail. Don’t forget to wear good shoes and stay hydrated, friends!
